Aix-en-Provence 2023: Murray vs Paul Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Aix-en-Provence Challenger final match featuring Andy Murray vs. Tommy Paul on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Andy Murray vs. Tommy Paul Preview

Fifth seed Andy Murray will face his biggest test of the week when he plays top seed and top-20 player Tommy Paul in the final of the Aix-en-Provence Challenger final. Who will prevail?

So we have the blockbuster final that everybody had in mind as Andy Murray faces Tommy Paul at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger. It’s a 175-level tournament, one of the biggest in the ATP’s second tier, and Murray will be determined to sign off with a title win, which will be his first since 2019 when he won the 250 in Antwerp. He progressed safely into the final with a 7-5, 6-1 win over former junior No. 1 Harold Mayot.

Tommy Paul, for his part, has yet to drop a set this week. Paul, like Murray, was looking to kick start his clay-court swing proper at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger after two early disappointing exits in Houston and Madrid. He’s been in top gear in France, breezing past three opponents including former No. 7 David Goffin 6-4, 6-2.

Andy Murray vs. Tommy Paul Prediction and Pick

Andy Murray and Tommy Paul have met once on the ATP Tour, with Paul leading the head-to-head 1-0. The American defeated Murray in three sets on the indoor hard courts in Stockholm two years ago, and went on to win his maiden ATP title that week. Paul and Murray had a lot in common coming to the Aix-en-Provence Challenger, with both players clearly raising a few eyebrows playing at the 175-level tournament. But that decision has paid off for both. I can see Murray getting a bit of joy in hunting down Paul’s second serve which was slightly exposed by David Goffin – his first top-100 opponent of the week. But overall, Paul is an efficient server and has a power-packed forehand to boot. And given how well he’s managed to hit his stride this week, the American will be expected to charge to his first title of the season.